Leading surgeon at Cardiff hospital dies after contracting coronavirus

Jitendra Rathod was described as a skilled surgeon who was incredibly caring (Image: Cardiff & Vale University Health Board)

One of Wales' leading surgeons has died after contracting Covid-19, health officials have confirmed.

Jitendra Rathod, a cardiac surgeon, was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, before being taken to intensive care.

However, despite the best efforts of his colleagues, Mr Rathod died on Monday morning.

The tragic news was confirmed by health officials on Monday evening.

A statement by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that Mr Jitendra Rathod, associate specialist in cardiothoracic surgery, has passed away.

"He died early this morning on our general intensive care unit after testing positive for Covid-19."

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a specialist who operates on the heart, lungs and other thoracic (chest) organs.

Mr Rathod - known to colleagues and friends as Jitu - worked in the department of cardio-throacic surgery since the mid 1990s. He later had a brief stint abroad before retuning to UHW in 2006.

The father-of-two was described as an "incredibly dedicated surgeon" who cared deeply for his patients and was highly regarded in the medical profession in Wales.